The Physics of Truth
In this trade, The Truth is not found in a safety manual or a corporate sign-off—it is found in the physical state of the machine. Gravity doesn't recognize your "quick task" and high voltage has no mercy for your "experience."
Safety is the ultimate audit of a technician’s integrity. To shortcut a lockout is to lie to yourself and your crew about the reality of the energy present. We don't follow rules to please an inspector; we verify the zero because the physics of the plant are the only judge that matters.
"If you haven't physically verified the zero-state, you are working on a lie. In maintenance, a lie can be fatal. The meter doesn't have an opinion—it only has the Truth."
Manual Lift: Truth in Leverage
Calculates spine load vs limit.
Stored Energy: Piston Force
Calculates static crushing force.
Fatal 5: LOTO Truth
Notify all personnel.
Proper machine shutdown.
Isolate ALL energy (Elec/Air/Hyd).
Apply personal locks & tags.
THE TRY-STEP: Verify zero energy.
Confined Space: Go/No-Go
Atmosphere Tested (Oxygen 19.5%+)
Mechanical Ventilation Active
Attendant (Standby) at Entry
Audit pending...
Guard Reach-Through Logic
Min. safe distance from hazard.
PPE Breakthrough Truth
Nitrile glove protection time.
Arc Flash (NFPA 70E)
Boundary and PPE data.
Fire Watch Monitor
60:00
Winter Audit: Slip Risk
Frost/Condensation risk level.
Rigging: Sling Angle Loss
| Angle | Capacity |
|---|---|
| 90° (Vertical) | 100% |
| 60° | 86% |
| 45° | 70% |
| 30° | 50% |
States of Human Error
| State | Result |
|---|---|
| Rushing | Missing LOTO steps |
| Complacency | "I've done this 1000x" |
Noise Limits (OSHA)
| dB Level | Max Exposure |
|---|---|
| 90 dB | 8.0 Hours |
| 100 dB | 2.0 Hours |
CRITICAL FIRST AID: MAINTENANCE REALITY
Arc Flash / Electrical Burns
- STOP THE BURNING: Power must be cut before touching victim.
- NO OINTMENTS: Do not apply ice, grease, or sprays.
- INTERNAL CHECK: High voltage damage is often internal. Seek ER.
Pressure Injection
- SURGICAL EMERGENCY: Tiny pinpricks hide massive internal destruction.
- 6-HOUR WINDOW: Seek hand/trauma surgeon immediately.
Crush Syndrome / Internal
- STAY IN PLACE: If pinned >15 mins, do not release until medics arrive.
- TREAT FOR SHOCK: Lay flat, keep warm, do not give water.
Chemical In Eye
- FLUSH 15M: Hold eyelids open. Flush from bridge of nose outward.
Bone Fractures / Bleeding
- IMMOBILIZE: Do not attempt to "straighten" a deformed limb.
- PRESSURE: Apply direct pressure to heavy bleeding.
Cold Stress (Hypothermia)
- REMOVE WET CLOTHING: Move victim to a warm, dry area.
- GRADUAL WARMING: Focus on the core first.